• Reading — We will read and discuss a wide variety of literary works from novels and short stories to drama, poetry, and nonfiction. Reading for pleasure and enrichment will be encouraged.
• Writing — Writing will emphasize the importance of a clear thesis for an analytic essay, and of specific supporting examples. Students will explore different forms of writing including informal essays, nonfiction, journaling, analytical essays, poetry, and timed writing, and undertake research for a focused project with proper documentation of sources. 
• Critical Thinking — This class aims to develop independent critical thinkers. To this end, students will be expected to evaluate evidence for arguments and participate actively in class discussion.
• Technology – Students will be expected to become proficient in using technology in the classroom and encouraged to access class information online.

Elements of Literature, 4th Course, With Readings in World Literature
Vocabulary for Achievement, Fourth Course
Writing the Modern Research Paper, 2 Edition, Dees
Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare (Folger Edition)   
Pride and Prejudice, Austen

• a supply of 5 x 8-inch white, ruled index cards (do not substitute another size)
• white ruled binder paper and a three-ring binder with dividers to organize classwork
• one red ink pen
• white computer printer paper and extra black ink for your home computer printer

Papers must be word processed; all written work must be completed in blue or black ink.

Regularly assigned homework may be word processed or handwritten in blue or black ink.  Work should always be done on an individual basis, unless the assignment is a specific group project.  Students should not “share” homework assignments and copy from another student’s work.

Good readers make good writers; therefore, some amount of outside reading will be required each quarter.  The form of reading material and of reporting will vary.  Most often, you will have a wide choice of subject.

In preparation for the PSAT and SAT tests, we will study ten vocabulary words per week from the Vocabulary for Achievement workbook.  Vocabulary tests will be scheduled every three weeks. In addition, we will learn and use vocabulary in context of the reading assignments.
Regular grammar exercises will help build confidence and skills in the mechanics of good writing.  As the year progresses, we will focus on specific skills as needed.

Grades will be calculated on an overall point basis; the point value of an assignment is an indication of its relative weight in the overall quarter grade, approximately:

Papers and Writing Assignments (45%);
Quizzes, Tests, Homework, Projects (45%);
Class Participation, Citizenship (10%)

Grades from the comprehensive reading test on the summer reading assignment will be averaged into the first quarter grade. Grading will follow the percentages listed in the Mayfield Student Handbook.
A Final Exam will be given at the end of each term.  Semester grades will be determined on the basis of 40% from each quarter and 20% from the final exam. 
In determining quarter and semester grades, points will not automatically be “rounded up” to the next grade.  When a borderline situation exists, several factors will be considered in determining the final grade, such as class participation, conscientious attention to daily and long-term assignments, daily preparedness, and progress (or lack of) throughout the course.

1. Use blue or black ink. Work in pencil will not be accepted.
2. Turn in all work on time. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period.
3. Type essays and papers. Handwritten essays will not be accepted.  NO EXCEPTIONS.
4. Be on time to class. If you are Tardy, you may miss a Pop Quiz or in-class assignment.  These cannot be “made-up.”  Latecomers will not receive extra time for quizzes or tests.
5. When absent, return to school with any work due.  It is your responsibility to find out what you missed; ask for assignments AND class notes.  Be prepared to rejoin class when you return.  Work missed due to an UNEXCUSED absence may receive a zero.
6. Plan ahead.  If unusual circumstances make meeting the deadline difficult or impossible, speak with me before the deadline to request an extension.  Be aware that this extension is not automatic, but reasonable requests are usually honored.  Last-minute pleas, however, will fall on deaf ears.
7. Use our Class Web Page.  Assignments and resources are posted online.  Email me with questions or comments.
8. Talk to me.  If, for any reason, you have questions about your grade on a paper or exam, talk to me privately and promptly.  It is inappropriate to address individual grade issues during class time.
9. Earn Challenge Points to boost your grade.  There is no Extra Credit for this class.  Instead, students in Good Standing (with all assignments current) will be eligible to earn Challenge Points.  A list of Challenges will be made available during the quarter.
10. Do your own work.  Cheating and plagiarism are serious breaches of academic integrity at Mayfield and at all colleges, and will result in a zero for the assignment and a referral to the Academic Dean.

• Cheating and plagiarism are serious breaches of academic integrity at Mayfield and at all colleges.  Students found cheating on any quiz or exam will automatically receive zero points and a referral to the Academic Dean for disciplinary action.  This includes outright copying from another student’s paper, using previous tests, cheat-sheets, etc. 
• Plagiarism is also a serious affront to scholarship, whether it includes changing a few words or examples in a paper written by someone else, adapting or summarizing other work without attributing sources, or outright copying of another student’s work to submit as your own. 
• Each student must take responsibility for the integrity of her own work.  If you “loan” your homework or essay you cannot know that your work will not be copied, adapted, or summarized; this is no less serious than sharing answers during an exam.  DO NOT “loan” your work, even to a friend asking to “borrow” it “just for ideas;” you can NEVER be sure that parts of your paper will not be used in someone else’s essay.  In this event, both the plagiarist and the original author could receive a zero for their work.  Protect your academic work; don’t give in to the pressure to “help out” a “friend” who hasn’t done her own work by sharing yours and then trying to pretend that you “didn’t know” your work would be copied.  It is naïve to assume that your friend “would never do that,” and much easier for everyone if the standard policy is to remove the temptation by declining to loan work.

A portion of your course grade will be based on classroom citizenship, or comportment. My expectations for your behavior in class include the following —

BE PROMPT.
        Come to class on time; bring a tardy slip or note if you are late.
        Turn in assignments on time.
        Class will begin on time and go the entire period.
        Class will end when you are dismissed.
BE PREPARED.
        Bring books, paper, and writing tools every day.
        No one will be excused to retrieve forgotten items from a locker.
        Take care of personal needs before coming to class, especially after break and lunch.
BE PROFESSIONAL.
        Use blue or black ink for written assignments; no pencil.
        Use fresh ink in your computer printer.
        Use easy-to-read computer fonts such as Times, Palatino, or Times Roman.
        Follow the appropriate formatting guidelines for the assignment.
        Write your name, class and block, and my name in the upper right hand corner of all assignments.
BE COURTEOUS.   
        Do not bring beverages, food, gum or candy to class.
        Respect your classmates, listen, and raise your hand to speak.
        Wait to be dismissed at the end of the class period.
        Give the class and the activity at hand your full attention.
BE RESPECTFUL.   
        Raise your hand when you have something to say; wait to be called on.
        Be a good listener; respond to your classmates thoughtfully.
        Respect the right of others’ to hold an opinion different from your own.
        Avoid sarcasm, innuendo, and cruel comments.
        Obey the Golden Rule.
BE HONEST.
        Do your own unique work.
        Give credit where credit is due when working on group projects.
BE COOPERATIVE.
        Share class notes and homework assignments with absent classmates.
        Be productive in small group work.
        Contribute to the harmony of the class.
BE POSITIVE.   
        Come to class with a pleasant attitude; leave bad moods at the door.
BE ADVENTUROUS.
        Be willing to take risks with learning and stretch yourself.